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NOAA Debunks Lightning's Connection to Cell Phones

June 26, 2006

Contrary to recent media reports, NOAA lightning experts state that lightning is not attracted to people carrying cell phones.

"Cell phones, small metal items, jewelry, etc., do not attract lightning. Nothing attracts lightning. Lightning tends to strike taller objects," said John Jensenius, a NOAA National Weather Service lightning expert. "People are struck because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. The wrong place is anywhere outside. The wrong time is anytime a thunderstorm is nearby."

(National Weather Service: June 23, 2006)

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• 5/20/2013: Course Announcement: Event Security Planning for Public Safety Professionals (MGT-335)
• 4/26/2013: Governor Congratulates Maine’s Emergency Management Community
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• 4/12/2013: April 2013 SCIP Newsletter

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